I have been getting neuponen, and procrit to build blood cells. Blood cells when to 2.8 and climbing, but hemaglowbin remained at 7.8 and has not changed. Was taken off the neuponen and procrit and told to increase intake of feosol.Hemoglobin the same count.Put back on procrit,neupogen with terrible side effects,is there somethinge to build hemaglowbin?

Response from Dr. Frascino

Hello,
With a hemoglobin of 7.8, you are certainly anemic. The fact you were also on neupogen would indicate that your white blood cells were also low (neutropenia). The real question here is what's causing your anemia/neutropenia. Once the cause or causes are determined the treatment will become more obvious. For instance if your CD4 count is quite low you might have an opportunistic infection such as MAC which could decrease both your red and white blood cells. Another potential cause is medications, such as AZT for example, which can suppress your bone marrow - where your blood cells are manufactured. There are multiple other possibilities as well. Check with your HIV specialist and if he/she can't determine the cause of your problem, ask for a referral to a hematologist (physician who specializes in diseases of the blood). Don't procrastinate. You should be evaluated sooner rather than later. Write back if your evaluation is unrevealing and you are still having problems.
Good luck.
RJF

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